Vehicle ad hoc network (VANET)

ABSTRACT

Mesh node modules are associated with vehicles and companion nodes can dynamically form a mesh network which uploads location information of the nodes and in some cases additional information, e.g., road condition or proximity to objects.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The application relates generally to vehicle ad hoc networks (VANETs).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A mesh network is a type of computer ecosystem characterized by itssustainability, self-organization, and scalability. Each mesh noderelays network data flowing to the node, and the nodes cooperate toappropriately distribute the data in the network. Typically, meshnetworks are relatively short range networks, i.e., with node-to-nodelink distances of 250 meters or less, although a mesh network may use agateway to connect to a wide area network such as the Internet.

Because mesh networks typically are wireless, they are ad hoc, meaningthat nodes easily join and leave the network. As but one example, meshnetworks can be spontaneously organized by the wireless computingdevices establishing the nodes using Zigbee. Other example non-limitingmesh network protocols/systems can be based on Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11p, IEEE802.11s, WAVE IEEE 1609, WiMAX IEEE 802.16, Bluetooth, and IRA.

When the wireless nodes of a mesh network move as the network operates,the network is sometimes referred to as a mobile ad hoc network (MANET)which continuously self-configures as nodes move into network range andout of network range. For this reason, nodal links in MANETs changefrequently. MANETs may operate independently but may also use one ormore of the nodes as a gateway to other MANETs and other networks suchas the Internet.

Of relevance to this application is the application of mesh/MANETprinciples to vehicles to establish a vehicle ad hoc network (VANET).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As understood herein, current traffic monitoring methods are relativelyslow, as they rely primarily on news updates heard on the radio, TV orinternet. And often these “updates” don't provide alternative choices.Also the available traffic information typically only covers majorhighways and freeways.

Accordingly, a display device includes a display, a computer readablestorage medium bearing instructions executable by a processor, and aprocessor configured for accessing the computer readable storage mediumto execute the instructions to configure the processor to present on thedisplay a user interface (UI). The UI indicates a location of the deviceon which the UI is presented, along with locations of plural vehicles ina wireless mesh network that includes a vehicle in which the UI ispresented, with the locations of the other vehicles being receivedthrough the mesh network.

In some embodiments the UI presents arrows whose magnitudes anddirections are defined by headings and speeds of respective vehicles asreported via the mesh network. If desired, the UI can present analpha-numeric indication of a speed of a vehicle other than the vehiclein which the UI is presented. In examples, the UI includes analpha-numeric indication of a type of a vehicle reporting via the meshnetwork.

In some implementations the UI presents icons unique to vehicle typesbased on type information reported by the vehicles through the meshnetwork. The UI may, if desired, present an alpha numeric indication ofa vehicle having a speed satisfying a threshold.

In another aspect, a display device includes a display, a computerreadable storage medium bearing instructions executable by a processor,and a processor configured for accessing the computer readable storagemedium to execute the instructions to configure the processor to presenton the display a user interface (UI) including one or more filterselectors selectable to filter traffic/road reports uploaded fromvehicle ad hoc networks (VANETs) and presented on the UI.

In another aspect, a method includes automatically establishing avehicle ad hoc network (VANET) among node modules of adjacent vehiclessuch that as vehicle travels it dynamically enters and leaves meshnetworks formed by its node module and node modules of other vehiclesthat are sufficiently nearby to permit mesh network communication. Themethod also includes uploading, through the VANET, vehicle parametersreceived by the node modules, and uploading, through the VANET, signalsfrom sensors reported to a node module. Also, the method includesreporting, through the VANET, detection of a group of vehicles in a meshnetwork, with a location of the group being propagated back through theVANET to inform of the presence of the group, to enable drivers to takeappropriate precautions.

In some examples a node module of a vehicle does not establish a meshnetwork with nearby node modules even if the nearby modules aresufficiently close unless a predetermined event occurs. This event maybe, e.g., braking, weather, and/or detection of a slow moving object.

The details of the present invention, both as to its structure andoperation, can be best understood in reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and inwhich:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system including an example inaccordance with present principles;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example node;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a VANET;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of example non-limiting logic; and

FIGS. 5-7 are screen shots of example user interfaces for vehicleoccupant's CE device or other display device, elements of which UIs maybe combined with each other in some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates generally to computer ecosystems and inparticular to mesh networks and MANETs. A system herein may includeserver and client components that establish mesh network nodes,connected over a network such that data may be exchanged between theclient and server components, although mesh networks may not includeservers. The nodes may include one or more computing devices includingportable televisions (e.g. smart TVs, Internet-enabled TVs), portablecomputers such as laptops and tablet computers, and other mobile devicesincluding smart phones, mesh node modules that can be attached to movingobjects, and additional examples discussed below. These devices mayoperate with a variety of operating environments. For example, some ofthe devices may employ, as examples, operating systems from Microsoft,or a Unix operating system, or operating systems produced by AppleComputer or Google.

Nodes, however implemented, may include one or more processors executinginstructions that configure the node to receive and transmit data over amesh network such as a MANET. A device such as a server may beinstantiated by a game console such as a Sony Playstation (trademarked),a personal computer, etc.

Information may be exchanged over a network between network nodes. Tothis end and for security, nodes can include firewalls, load balancers,temporary storages, and proxies, and other network infrastructure forreliability and security. One or more nodes may form an apparatus thatimplement methods of providing a secure community such as an onlinesocial website to network members.

As used herein, instructions refer to computer-implemented steps forprocessing information in the system. Instructions can be implemented insoftware, firmware or hardware and include any type of programmed stepundertaken by components of the system.

A processor may be any conventional general purpose single- ormulti-chip processor that can execute logic by means of various linessuch as address lines, data lines, and control lines and registers andshift registers.

Software modules described by way of the flow charts and user interfacesherein can include various sub-routines, procedures, etc. Withoutlimiting the disclosure, logic stated to be executed by a particularmodule can be redistributed to other software modules and/or combinedtogether in a single module and/or made available in a shareablelibrary.

Present principles described herein can be implemented as hardware,software, firmware, or combinations thereof; hence, illustrativecomponents, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are set forth in termsof their functionality.

Further to what has been alluded to above, logical blocks, modules, andcircuits described below can be implemented or performed with a generalpurpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device suchas an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A processorcan be implemented by a controller or state machine or a combination ofcomputing devices.

The functions and methods described below, when implemented in software,can be written in an appropriate language such as but not limited to C#or C++, and can be stored on or transmitted through a computer-readablestorage medium such as a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory(ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storagesuch as digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices including removable thumb drives, etc. Aconnection may establish a computer-readable medium. Such connectionscan include, as examples, hard-wired cables including fiber optics andcoaxial wires and digital subscriber line (DSL) and twisted pair wires.Such connections may include wireless communication connectionsincluding infrared and radio.

Components included in one embodiment can be used in other embodimentsin any appropriate combination. For example, any of the variouscomponents described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may becombined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.

“A system having at least one of A, B, and C” (likewise “a system havingat least one of A, B, or C” and “a system having at least one of A, B,C”) includes systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.

Now specifically referring to FIG. 1, an example mesh network 10 isshown, which may include one or more of the example devices mentionedabove and described further below in accordance with present principles.These devices establish respective nodes 12 of the mesh network 10. Thenodes 12 can spontaneously join and leave the network 10 as mentionedabove, and when a node is a member of the network 10, it communicateswith at least some of the other nodes 12 via wireless links 14. Thenodes 12 may all be connected to every other node, or more typically areconnected only to one or more of the other nodes, forwarding datathrough the network using “hop” principles and other relevant meshprotocol principles.

The nodes 12 may all be mobile nodes and may communicate only within thenetwork 10, and not outside the network 10. More typically, at least oneof the nodes 12 is a router or other gateway device that interfaces themesh network 10 with other networks, such as the Internet. In someembodiments, one or more of the nodes 12 may be a fixed node, e.g., agateway router or a server whose location does not change afterinstallation or changes only infrequently, with the remaining node(s) 12being mobile, while in some embodiments all of the nodes 12 may be fixednodes.

In any case, the node 12 dynamically establish a mesh network, typicallythrough one or more of the short-range transmitters described below.Each node typically is associated with a unique identification such as amedia access control (MAC) address, and the MAC address may becorrelated within the node (e.g., at time of manufacture or by a user attime of association with a particular component) or within a networkserver receiving information from the node with an identification of thecomponent with which the MAC address is associated. For example, a nodalmodule may be associated with a vehicle, a person, an animal, a bicycle,a piece of luggage or a pet kennel, a particular stadium seat, an itemin a factory or store, a user's CE device, etc., and the MAC address ofthat node may be correlated with the component accordingly.Consequently, when a mesh network is established and at least one of thenetwork nodes uploads information gathered from the other nodes, thatinformation may include (or be correlated at a server to) a type ofcomponent, so that a network map or other network information userinterface (UI) may be presented showing the mesh nodes along with anidentification of the components, and not just the MAC addresses, withwhich the nodes are associated.

FIG. 2 shows that an example node 12 can (but not must) include one ormore displays 15 that may be implemented by a high definition orultra-high definition “4K” or higher flat screen and that may betouch-enabled for receiving user input signals via touches on thedisplay. The node 12 may include one or more speakers 16 for outputtingaudio in accordance with present principles, and at least one additionalinput device 18 such as e.g. an audio receiver/microphone for e.g.entering audible commands to the node 12 to control the node 12. Theexample node 12 may also include one or more network interfaces 20 forcommunication over at least one network under control of one or moreprocessors 24. Thus, the interface 20 may be, without limitation, aWi-Fi transceiver, which is an example of a wireless computer networkinterface. It is to be understood that the processor 24 controls thenode 12 to undertake present principles, including the other elements ofthe node 12 described herein such as e.g. controlling the display 15 topresent images thereon and receiving input therefrom. Furthermore, notethe network interface 20 may be, e.g., a wired or wireless modem orrouter, or other appropriate interface such as, e.g., a wirelesstelephony transceiver, or Wi-Fi transceiver as mentioned above, etc.

In addition to the foregoing, the node 12 may also include one or moreinput ports 26 such as, e.g., a high definition multimedia interface(HDMI) port or a USB port to physically connect (e.g. using a wiredconnection) to another CE device and/or a headphone port to connectheadphones to the node 12 for presentation of audio from the node 12 toa user through the headphones. For example, the input port 26 may beconnected via wire or wirelessly to a cable or satellite source of audiovideo content. Thus, the source may be, e.g., a set top box, or asatellite receiver, or a game console or disk player.

The node 12 may further include one or more tangible computer readablestorage medium 28 such as disk-based or solid state storage. Also insome embodiments, the node 12 can include one or more position orlocation receivers such as but not limited to a cellphone receiver, GPSreceiver and/or altimeter 30 that is configured to e.g. receivegeographic position information from at least one satellite or cellphonetower and provide the information to the processor 24 and/or determinean altitude at which the node 12 is disposed in conjunction with theprocessor 24. However, it is to be understood that that another suitableposition receiver other than a cellphone receiver, GPS receiver and/oraltimeter may be used in accordance with present principles to e.g.determine the location of the node 12 in e.g. all three dimensions.

Continuing the description of the node 12, in some embodiments the NODE12 may include one or more cameras 32 that may be, e.g., a thermalimaging camera, a digital camera such as a webcam, and/or a cameraintegrated into the node 12 and controllable by the processor 24 togather pictures/images and/or video in accordance with presentprinciples. Also included on the node 12 may be a Bluetooth transceiver34 and other Near Field Communication (NFC) element 36 for communicationwith other devices using Bluetooth and/or NFC technology, respectively.An example NFC element can be a radio frequency identification (RFD))element.

Further still, the node 12 may include one or more auxiliary sensors 37(e.g., a motion sensor such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, cyclometer,or a magnetic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an optical sensor, aspeed and/or cadence sensor, a gesture sensor (e.g. for sensing gesturecommand), other type of proximity sensor such as a camera executingimage recognition to determine a particular object is close, etc.)providing input to the processor 24. The node 12 may include anover-the-air TV broadcast port 38 for receiving OTA TV broadcastsproviding input to the processor 24. In addition to the foregoing, it isnoted that the node 12 may also include an infrared (IR) transmitterand/or IR receiver and/or IR transceiver 40 such as an IR dataassociation (IRDA) device. A battery (not shown) may be provided forpowering the node 12.

The node 12 may include still other sensors such as e.g. one or moreclimate sensors 42 (e.g. barometers, humidity sensors, wind sensors,light sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) and/or one or more biometricsensors 44 providing input to the processor 24. For instance, thebiometric sensor(s) may include heart rate sensors, temperature sensors,blood pressure sensors, blood sugar sensors, perspiration sensors, etc.

The above methods may be implemented as software instructions executedby a processor, suitably configured ASIC or FPGA modules, or any otherconvenient manner as would be appreciated by those skilled in those art.Where employed, the software instructions may be embodied in anon-transitory device such as a CD Rom or Flash drive. The software codeinstructions may alternatively be embodied via a download over theinternet.

FIG. 3 shows an example mesh network 50 in which one or more vehicles 52are associated with respective node modules 54 each of which may beimplemented by the appropriate components of the example node in FIG. 2.Note that various sensors of a module 54 may be located on a singlemodule body or physically distributed in appropriate locations of avehicle, communicating with the processor of the module. Note furtherthat each vehicle may include an engine control module (ECM) 56 that isseparate from or integrated with the node module 54 of the vehicle. Inthe case of a bicycle, the node module may be mounted on the bicycleframe or on an item worn by the rider, e.g., on the rider's helmet.

By “vehicle” is meant the plain and ordinary meaning of the term, towit: motorized automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles fortransporting occupants in or on.

The modules 54 communicate with each other according to mesh networkprinciples mentioned previously, and when a vehicle 52 is sufficientlyclose to a network access point (AP) 58, mesh network 50 node and linkinformation may be uploaded to a network such as the Internet 60 forprovision of the network information to a CE device 62, typicallyassociated with an occupant of the vehicle 52. The CE device 62 may beimplemented by some or all of the components shown in FIG. 2 for anetwork node. Preferably, many APs are provided so that the mesh networkcan frequently communicate with the Internet.

It is to be understood that the CE device 62 may be registered by anInternet server to be associated with the vehicle 52. In an examplenon-limiting embodiment, the owner of the CE device 62 may co-locate thedevice 62 and the vehicle 52 prior to travel in an initial mesh, withthe nodes exchanging information and with the CE device recording theMAC addresses and/or recording or establishing (using user input)component names (e.g., “vehicle 1, vehicle 2, . . . ”). The CE device 62may download a tracking application from the Internet for this purpose,and then upload, using the application, the identity of the vehiclesassociated with the CE device, along with the CE device network address.In this way, an Internet server subsequently receiving informationpertaining to the MAC address or other identification of the vehicle(s)can download the information to the CE device executing the trackingapplication.

FIG. 4 illustrates example logic. At block 64, a VANET is establishedautomatically by the node modules 54 of adjacent vehicles, to alsoinclude, when sufficiently close, adjacent VANETs such as a VANETestablished by the node modules of a group of nearby bicyclists. Thus,as a car, for example, travels down the road, it dynamically enters andleaves mesh networks formed by its node module and the node modules ofother vehicles that are sufficiently nearby the car to permit meshnetwork communication. If desired, a node module 54 of a vehicle 52 maynot seek to establish a mesh network with nearby node modules even ifthe other modules are sufficiently close unless a predetermined eventoccurs. For example, a node module 54 of a vehicle 52 may not seek toestablish a mesh network with nearby node modules even if the othermodules are sufficiently close unless sudden braking of the associatedvehicle occurs. Or, a node module 54 of a vehicle 52 may not seek toestablish a mesh network with nearby node modules even if the othermodules are sufficiently close unless inclement road weather is sensed.Yet again, a node module 54 of a vehicle 52 may not seek to establish amesh network with nearby node modules even if the other modules aresufficiently close unless a relatively slow moving object such as abicycle is sensed by, e.g., a proximity sensor such as a camera.

Block 66 indicates that vehicle and other parameters are received by theprocessor of a node module. For example, the processor may receivesignals from the associated ECM that the vehicle is braking hard, orotherwise rapidly decelerating, or even skidding as sensed by skidsensors of, e.g., the ABS of the vehicle. Similarly, at block 68 theprocessor may receive signals from a moisture sensor on the vehicle. Yetagain, the processor may receive signals from a proximity sensor on thevehicle indicating that another object such as a bicyclist or group ofbicyclists is within range of the proximity sensor.

At block 70, the node modules in the dynamic mesh network share dataamong themselves that may be presented on, e.g., the CE device 62, whichcan also be part of the mesh network 50 as mentioned above. When atleast one node of the mesh network is in range of an AP 58, theinformation gathered at blocks 66 and 68 can be uploaded to a trafficcontrol server via the Internet 60.

Thus, mesh networks among vehicles can be dynamically formed to track inreal-time various parameters such as approaching slower traffic ahead,as well as provide better up-to-date traffic information regardingtraffic accidents, construction, and detours. The mesh network 50 isdynamic in the sense that vehicles join or leave the network at anytime.

Furthermore, as stated above one mesh network, e.g., of motorizedvehicle, can be made aware of another nearby mesh network once a node inthe motorized vehicle network is within range and establishescommunication with a node in the bicyclist network. The location of thebicyclist group can be propagated back through the motorized vehicles toinform the drivers of the motorized vehicles of the presence of thebicyclists, to enable the drivers to take appropriate precautions.

Moreover, by uploading information at block 74, a statewide ornationwide data base can be updated to maintain track of all the variousmesh groups to enable more accurately relayed traffic information forall travelers. The real-time information from one mesh network can bemade available to all mesh networks to aid in collision avoidance orrerouting around trouble areas. This real time database can alsoinfluence the timing of traffic lights to optimize traffic flow duringrush hour, and to route the closest emergency vehicles as quickly aspossible to accident or incident scenes.

FIG. 5 shows a user interface (UI) 80 that may be presented on, e.g.,the CE device 62 or on a display mounted in a vehicle 52, as examples.As shown, the UI 80 indicates a location 82 of the device on which theUI is presented, along with locations 84 of other vehicles in the meshnetwork that includes the vehicle in which the UI 80 is presented. Inthe example, the nodes report location, vehicle type, speed and headinginformation to each other, and responsive to this information theprocessor presenting the UI also presents arrows 86 whose magnitudes anddirections are defined by the reported headings and speeds of therespective vehicles. As indicated at 88, when a vehicle reports zerospeed, “stopped” may be indicated on the UI. Moreover, vehicles mayreport their types, so that each vehicle indication 84 may include analpha-numeric indication of the type of the reporting vehicle, e.g.,bus, bicycle, truck, sedan, etc.

FIG. 6 shows a UI 90 that may be presented on, e.g., the CE device 62 oron a display mounted in a vehicle 52, as examples. As shown, the UI 90indicates a location 92 of the device on which the UI is presented,along with locations 94 of other vehicles in the mesh network thatincludes the vehicle in which the UI 90 is presented. In the example,the nodes report location, vehicle type, speed and heading informationto each other, and responsive to this information the processorpresenting the UI also presents arrows 96 whose magnitudes anddirections are defined by the reported headings and speeds of therespective vehicles.

In this example, the lead vehicle in the mesh network has made contactwith a group of networked bicyclists, and so presents images or icons 98unique to bicycles. Also, the processor presenting the UI 90 may beprogrammed, when slow-moving nodes such as bicycles are encountered, sopresent an alpha numeric indication 100 thereof as a warning of suchslower moving vehicles.

FIG. 7 shows a UI 102 that may be presented on, e.g., the CE device 62or on a display mounted in a vehicle 52, as examples. As shown, the UI102 includes one or more filter selectors 104 selectable to filter thetraffic/road reports presented on the UI 102. In the example shown, thefilter selectors 104 include a “local” selector which when selectedcauses information, including map information if desired, to bepresented on the display showing information only within the proximityof the display, e.g., within a ten mile radius. Also, the filterselectors 104 may include a “state” selector which when selected causesinformation, including map information if desired, to be presented onthe display showing information only for the entire state in which thedisplay is located. Moreover, the filter selectors 104 may include a“national” selector which when selected causes information, includingmap information if desired, to be presented on the display showinginformation only for the entire nation in which the display is located.The larger the scale, the more (and more precise) information ispresented; the smaller the scale, the less (and less precise)information is presented.

Thus, each individual, in a mesh group or not, can filter informationbased on their needs. For example, if traveling to work, only localinformation may be desired, whereas if traveling across country,statewide or national information may be desired.

Indications 106 may also be presented based on information reported bythe VANET in which the display is located or by other VANETs uploaded asdescribed above and downloaded to the device presenting the UI 102indicating current road condition, the existence and location oftraffic-impacting activities such as construction, etc.

It will be appreciated that while the APPLYING MESH NETWORK TO VANETShas been fully described in relation to one or more example embodiments,these are not intended to be limiting, and that various alternativearrangements may be used to implement the subject matter claimed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. Device, comprising: at least one computer memorythat is not a transitory signal and that comprises instructionsexecutable by at least one processor to: present on a display a userinterface (UI), the UI indicating a location of the device on which theUI is presented, along with locations of plural vehicles in a wirelessnetwork that includes a vehicle in which the UI is presented, thelocations of the other vehicles being received through the wirelessnetwork, wherein the UI presents arrows whose magnitudes and directionsare defined by headings and speeds of respective vehicles as reportedvia the wireless network.
 2. The device of claim 1, comprising the atleast one processor.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the UI presentsan alpha-numeric indication of a speed of a vehicle other than thevehicle in which the UI is presented.
 4. The device of claim 1, whereinthe UI includes an alpha-numeric indication of a type of a vehiclereporting via the wireless network.
 5. The device of claim 1, whereinthe UI presents icons unique to vehicle types based on type informationreported by the vehicles through the wireless network.
 6. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the UI presents an alpha numeric indication of avehicle having a speed satisfying a threshold.
 7. Device, comprising: atleast one computer readable storage medium bearing instructionsexecutable by a processor; and at least one processor configured foraccessing the computer readable storage medium to execute theinstructions to configure the processor to: present on a display a userinterlace (UI) including one or more filter selectors selectable tofilter traffic/road reports uploaded from vehicle ad hoc networks(VANETs) and presented on the UI, the one or more filter selectorsincluding two or more of: a “local” selector which when selected causesinformation to be presented on the display showing information onlywithin a predetermined distance of the display, a “state” selector whichwhen selected causes information to be presented on the display showinginformation only for an entire state in which the display is located,and a “national” selector which when selected causes information to bepresented on the display showing information only for an entire nationin which the display is located.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein theUI indicates a location of the device on which the UI is presented,along with locations of plural vehicles in a wireless mesh network thatincludes a vehicle in which the UI is presented, the locations of theother vehicles being received through the mesh network.
 9. The device ofclaim 7, wherein the UI presents arrows whose magnitudes and directionsare defined by headings and speeds of respective vehicles as reported isthe VANET.
 10. The device of claim 7, wherein the UI presents analpha-numeric indication of a speed of a vehicle other than the vehiclein which the UI is presented.
 11. The device of claim 7, wherein the UIincludes an alpha-numeric indication of a type of a vehicle reportingvia the VANET.
 12. The device of claim 7, wherein the UI presents iconsunique to vehicle types based on type information reported by thevehicles through the VANET.
 13. The device of claim 7, wherein the UIpresents an alpha numeric indication of a vehicle having a speedsatisfying a threshold.
 14. The device of claim 7, wherein the filterselectors include all of a “local” selector which when selected causesinformation to be presented on the display showing information onlywithin a predetermined distance of the display, a “state” selector whichwhen selected causes information to be presented on the display showinginformation only for an entire state in which the display is located,and a “national” selector which when selected causes information to bepresented on the display showing information only for an entire nationin which the display is located.
 15. The device of claim 7, wherein theUI presents indications based on information reported by a VANETindicating current road condition.
 16. The device of claim 7, the one ormore filter selectors including a “local” selector which when selectedcauses information to be presented on the display showing informationonly within a predetermined distance of the display.
 17. The device ofclaim 7, the one or more filter selectors including a “state” selectorwhich when selected causes information to be presented on the displayshowing information only for an entire state in which the display islocated.
 18. The device of claim 7, the one or more filter selectorsincluding a “national” selector which when selected causes informationto be presented on the display showing information only for an entirenation in which the display is located.